top of page
Chris Cargill
Sep 12, 20242 min read
New taxes, spending, recess time, and school board spouses
When the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) meets in Boise in November to pass a legislative platform, they may want to reconsider their
Sam Cardwell
Aug 26, 20242 min read
Does higher spending equal better education outcomes?
K-12 public school spending is at an all-time high, and America spends more per student than any other developed nation. In 2022, the...
Sam Cardwell
Aug 19, 20243 min read
Failure to extend the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt taxpayers
Unless Congress acts soon, taxpayers across the Mountain States will face an automatic tax increase next year. This is because lawmakers...
Sebastian Griffin
Aug 12, 20242 min read
Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional
The recent decision by the Fifth Circuit to declare the Universal Service Fund (USF) fee unconstitutional marks a pivotal moment in the...
Jason Mercier
Aug 7, 20243 min read
Montana considering “Truth in Taxation”
To help address concerns about increasing property taxes, Montana policymakers are actively considering adopting “Truth in Taxation.”...
Sam Cardwell
Aug 6, 20244 min read
Return to sender: Why policymakers should avoid retail delivery fees
As the world becomes more digitized almost every consumer participates in online shopping. Forbes estimates in the U.S. that 20.1% of all...
Chris Cargill
Jul 25, 20242 min read
Rebates are better than repeal for Idaho’s controversial grocery tax
Taxing food is controversial. Idaho offers a yearly rebate of $100-$120 to residents – a number that appears smaller as inflation roars.
Jason Mercier
Jul 15, 20243 min read
Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual
The Mountain States Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations – it is an...
Chris Cargill
Jul 9, 20241 min read
Sugary drink taxes just don't work - here's why
These taxes often come with promises to decrease sugar consumption and raise revenue for popular programs. These goals are counterintuitive.
Jason Mercier
Jun 28, 20243 min read
Wealth tax questions punted for another day
There are at least four U.S. Supreme Court justices willing to forcefully slam the door shut on efforts to impose wealth taxes....
Chris Cargill
Jun 27, 20242 min read
No more secrets: Open the door to public employee contract talks
Collective bargaining in government is controversial, but it should never be a secret. Collective bargaining talks are the negotiations...
Jason Mercier
Jun 18, 20243 min read
Are there billions of dollars hiding in Idaho’s tax preferences couch cushions?
Some believe that Idaho is sitting on a goldmine of forgone taxes through “wasteful” tax preferences. There were comments made to that...
Madilynne Clark
Jun 11, 20243 min read
Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes
Where should you live in the Mountain States? The question seems to be on the country’s mind as it has been the fastest growing region...
Jason Mercier
Jun 6, 20242 min read
Here is what MSPC shared with Idaho budget writers - Budgeting for Outcomes
Idaho's legislative Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) held a work session today discussing performance-based budgeting and...
Jason Mercier
May 20, 20243 min read
Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes
When taxpayers provide their hard-earned dollars to government officials, they are doing so in hopes of receiving a tangible outcome for...
Jason Mercier
May 8, 20242 min read
Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report
The annual “Rich States, Poor States” report produced by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) shows Idaho ranking 2nd for...
Olivia Johnston
Apr 16, 20244 min read
U.S. Supreme Court upholds constitutional safeguards against undue building fees
Government officials have been placed on notice by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning undue impact fees.
Jason Mercier
Apr 4, 20241 min read
Comparing taxes in the Western States
With continued tax reduction efforts occurring across the country this year, these numbers are likely to change in next year’s report.
Jason Mercier
Apr 3, 20246 min read
Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session: Policy success and reforms still needed
There were several exciting reforms advanced, a few disappointing roadblocks hit, and a couple of head-scratching moments.
Jason Mercier
Mar 26, 20242 min read
29 states now have some form of ESA, education choice tax credit, or education tax scholarship
Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California are now the only states in the West not providing these options for families.
bottom of page